Williams is still looking for another solid bullpen pitcher. Major League Baseball sources told me the White Sox have talked to the Toronto Blue Jays about the left-handed relief pitcher Scott Downs, who if acquired, would be an upgrade as the second left-hander in the Chicago Bullpen. The Sox have also asked about Padres closer Heath Bell. San Diego officials insist that Bell will not be traded at the beginning of the season, the likelihood is that by the time the trading deadline approaches july 31, that bell will be dealt. The same scenario exists for Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. …

Levine also hears that “the White Sox payroll is maxed out at $104 million for 2010.” Other stuff talked are the Johnny Damon rumors, Kenny’s #1 worry for 2010 being Carlos Quentin, and talking the marketing dept. (Brooks Boyer) before making a trade.

Both Downs and Bell are on the last year of their contracts and are making $4 million. Bell would be too expensive to get, and Downs would be bad allocation of money. Bad? Yes, why not use that money to go after a DH?

A week after the Jim Thome drama concluded, the White Sox have decided to table their search for a left-handed-hitting RBI bat until it’s determined if the rotating designated hitter that manager Ozzie Guillen envisions will be a functioning tool for the 2010 season.

The White Sox looked at the viability of former New York Met and Toronto Blue Jay Carlos Delgado, who missed the majority of the 2009 season because of injuries. The White Sox had a scout watch Delgado during his stint playing winter ball in Puerto Rico. The consenus opinion is that Delgado did not have the legs and athleticism to play first base even in a part-time role.